David Tennant to Leave Doctor Who

It’s now been confirmed by the BBC that David Tennant will stand down as the 10th Doctor at the end of series 5 (2009). The show which will only consist of 4 specials in 2009 will feature his regeneration at the end of the last special, ushering in a new, 11th Doctor for Christmas 2009.

BBC News say:

David Tennant is to stand down as Doctor Who, after becoming one of the most popular Time Lords in the history of the BBC science fiction show.

Tennant stepped into the Tardis in 2005, and will leave the role after four special episodes are broadcast next year.

He made the announcement after winning the outstanding drama performance prize at the National Television Awards.

“When Doctor Who returns in 2010 it won’t be with me,” he said.

“Now don’t make me cry,” he added. “I love this part, and I love this show so much that if I don’t take a deep breath and move on now I never will, and you’ll be wheeling me out of the Tardis in my bath chair.”

‘I’ll miss it’

Three years was “about the right time” to play the role, he told the BBC in an exclusive interview.

“I think it’s better to go when there’s a chance that people might miss you, rather than to hang around and outstay your welcome,” he said.

His stint in the show had been “the most extraordinary time, it’s been bewildering, life changing, very exciting”, he said.

“And just so much fun, such a great show to work on.

“That’s one of the reasons I think it’s right to take a deep breath and bow out when it’s still fun, when it’s a novelty.

“I don’t ever want it to feel like a job, so I want to move on when it still feels exciting and fresh and that means I’ll miss it.”

It sometimes feels like it 🙂 Gay men and science fiction seem so inextricably entwined. Why is that??

Mike Says:-It’s because of the fantasy and escape from reality, it’s the idea of being whisked away by an enigmatic strange man and shown the wonders of the universe. I’d go at the drop of a hat!!! But the following for the show, it’s because it’s a show I’ve grown up with, it’s as much a part of me as the colour of my hair or eyes, the Doctor has always been there, and when I’ve been down or depressed, the show has always been there to cheer me up with its campness, cheesiness and pure escapism!